Woolworths Australia v Apple

Woolworths Supermarket Chain in Australia recently changed their logo to a big green ‘W’ to let their customers know that they are committed to providing fresh produce. Unfortunately, Apple the technology giant has launched a legal challenge against them as they say it looks too much like their own silver ‘apple’ icon.

The new ‘W’ logo does look a little bit similar although the big difference is that is green rather than silver and looks more like a cabbage. Apple has applied to the Australian body of intellectual property to have the new trademark rejected as they say that consumers may get confused between the 2 brands.

Although Woolworths says that the ‘W’ is merely supposed to look like a piece of fresh produce and not an Apple, Apple are worried in case Woolworths bring out any electronic products in the future which may confuse consumers into thinking that they are their own.

Apple has had other legal disputes over ‘Apple’ trademarks in the past include the long running case with Apple Corps and another with Apple Computers.

Woolworths Australia is in no way associated with the failed business Woolworths in the UK.